The Upper East Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Donatus Akamugre, has stated that the death of Former President Jerry John Rawlings is a big loss to Ghana’s democracy; going into this year’s general elections.
In an interview with Bolgatanga-based A1 Radio, Mr. Akamugre expressed shock at the death of the Founder of the NDC and admitted the very significant role the Late Former President Rawlings, together with Former President John Agyekum Kufour, would be playing in terms of providing leadership of example that will help calm the apparently tensed political atmosphere in the country ahead of the December polls.
“The news {of Mr. Rawling’s death} came to us as a shock; none of us expected this event. H.E Jerry John Rawlings was still a strong man and one could not expect this to have happened to him at this time. More importantly, going into this election which is critical and we needed statesmen who have all the necessary experience to be around and provide leadership and good headed thinking to direct affairs.”
“If you have the likes of Jerry John Rawlings and Former President Kufuor still alive; who have done it before. Our democracy is been touted as one of the best in Africa. But we know that there are a lot of heated debates here and there and people try to bend rules to favor themselves so you need a category of people who have done it before and have the experience from both sides of the divide, they can offer some advice that can at least bring down the tension somehow.” He explained.
According to the Regional Secretary, the death of Mr. Rawlings “is a blow to the family, is a blow to the NDC, is a blow to Ghana and it is a blow to democracy in this country.”
Following the death of the Party’s Founder, Flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama announced the suspension of all NDC party’s campaigns activities.
Ghanaians will go to the polls on December 7, 2020, to either re-elect President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo or vote for one of the other 11 contestants.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHZ|Ghana
